Finding Strength in Challenging Times! - Elder Allan F. Packer sat am

These are the days when prophecies are being fulfilled. We live in the dispensation of the fulness of times, which is the time to prepare for the Savior's return. It is also the time to work out our own salvation.

There seem to be quite a few talks this conference (as well as the last) that remind us quite clearly that we are living in the last days. The phrase "these are the days when prophecies are being fulfilled" really brings that home to me. In addition to that, we are told that this is also 'our time' and we need to be working on our own salvation. That makes it very personal.

As far as having a testimony goes, Elder Packer tells us that, "we must know - - and know that we know." There is implied a double duty. A larger duty.

We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies. Then our testimonies will keep us happy and safe in troubled times.

There are a couple of key elements in this paragraph. One is that the bar is higher for us as members. We need to get a testimony, then we need to do something about it - practice and apply gospel teachings. They must become and feel natural and automatic. Second, the road to happiness in these troubled times is our testimony. Happy and safe, those are two great promises.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks defined a testimony this way: "A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true." At another time Elder Oaks said, "Testimony is to know and to feel, conversion is to do and to become."

I like the definition of testimony from Elder Oaks. I also appreciate the next step - from 'knowing and feeling' to 'doing and becoming.' Knowing (a testimony) is an early step. What we must work towards is doing (discipleship.)

There are several things we can do to develop a deep conversion and learn how to receive divine inspiration. First, we must have a desire. . . Next, experiment on the word. . . To study and learn is the next step. This includes pondering, which broadens and deepens our testimonies."

I like this list of three things to do on this very important subject. It seems a natural progression that we need to take so that we are not 'just members' in name only. Two very important goals: Develop a deep conversion and Learn how to receive divine inspiration. This is a good measuring tape of where we are right now. Do I really want these blessings. If so, then we are told what to do next - experiment with the word, have faith enough to put it (teaching and commandments and counsel.) Then, study, learn, and ponder. We should be constantly growing in knowledge and experience.

Joseph Smith told us to watch for answers by paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that come into our minds. Over time we will learn to recognize these as promptings.

If you have wondered how to 'recognize the promptings of the spirit', here is your answer. 'Pay attention to thoughts and feelings.' As you do, over time, you will become better at recognizing this gift from God.

If we have unrealistic expectations of how, when, or where answers come, we risk missing the answers which come as quiet, reassuring feelings and thoughts that most often come after our prayers, while we are doing something else. These answers can be equally convincing and powerful.

It seems that we need to become proficient in the 'language of the Spirit.' We need to be ever vigilant and alert to the answers that we will be given.

Asking for a testimony of truth opens the windows of inspiration. Prayer is the most common and powerful way to invite inspiration.

We need to ask, through prayer, for a testimony. That will lead to inspiration. We need to invite inspiration.